The Newport Beach Planning Commission has taken a significant step towards enhancing the city’s housing element by recommending an increase in building heights in specific areas. During the meeting on January 25, 2025, city staff presented findings from a consistency analysis conducted by Kimberly Horan Associates, which confirmed that no additional environmental review is necessary for the proposed height increases under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The commission discussed requests from two properties: the AT&T switching facility, which seeks to increase its height to 48 feet, and St. Michael's Church, requesting a height of 55 feet for both flat and sloped roofs. The commission is set to conduct a public hearing on these proposals and will recommend to the City Council that these requests be included in the upcoming planning exercise.

If the City Council approves the recommendations, the next step will involve seeking a consistency determination from the Airport Land Use Commission in February. Assuming the commission finds the proposals consistent, the matter will be brought before the City Council in March for final approval.

Commissioner Lowery raised a question regarding the possibility of future height requests from other developers after this initial amendment process. Staff clarified that while this round of amendments is focused on the current requests, subsequent requests for height increases could still be made by private developers in the future.

This meeting marks a pivotal moment in Newport Beach's ongoing efforts to address housing needs and development regulations, with the potential for increased building heights aimed at facilitating more housing options in the city. The commission's actions reflect a proactive approach to urban planning and community development, setting the stage for future growth and infrastructure improvements.